POLICE officers may face charges over the deaths of two schoolboys who crashed a stolen car in the Mersey Tunnel, it emerged today.

The Police Complaints Authority, which is investigating the tragedy, is likely to hand over its findings to the Crown Prosecution Service, a spokesman has confirmed.

Darren Franey and Scott Veach, both aged 14, died after they crashed into a roadblock set up by Tunnel Police, it is understood.

The youngsters were driving a stolen Vauxhall Vectra from Chester to Liverpool when the accident happened.

A PCA spokesman, who confirmed a "roadblock is a matter for investigation", said: "The investigating officer's report can make a recommendation to the Crown Prosecution Service and if there is evidence to bring a prosecution they will do so."

Darren and Scott, who were pupils at Broadgreen Comprehensive, stole the silver Vectra from a house in Upton, Chester, by "fishing" the keys from through the letterbox using a stick with a hook on the end.

A second Vectra was also stolen at the same time.

After the 100mph crash in the tunnel at around 4am, the second Vectra was driven away and dumped in Water Street, Liverpool. Its occupants have still not been found.

The PCA spokesman said: "We expect the investigation to take three to four months."

Normally, for a PCA investigation, an outside force is brought in. Because much of the inquiry is centering around the activities of the independent Tunnel Police, Merseyside Police is playing a large part in the investigation.

Officers say they need to find the driver of the second Vectra "as a matter of urgency" and asked anyone with information to telephone 0151 777 8120.